CHAPTER ONE
1.0 INTRODUCTION
Electrical installation and maintenance are a crucial aspect of modern life as it involves the design,
installation, and upkeep of electrical systems in residential, commercial, and industrial settings.
Electrical installation involves the planning and implementation of electrical systems to ensure
that they meet safety regulations and standards. This includes the installation of electrical wiring,
circuit breakers, transformers, and other electrical components. The goal is to ensure that electrical
systems are safe and reliable for use [1].
Maintenance is the ongoing process of inspecting, repairing, and upgrading electrical
systems to keep them functioning effectively and efficiently. This includes regular checks on
wiring and components, replacement of damaged or worn parts, and updates to meet changing
safety regulations. Regular maintenance can help prevent electrical failures and ensure that
systems are always operating at their best. One of the key aspects of electrical maintenance is
safety. Electrical systems can pose a significant hazard if not properly maintained, and it is
important that only trained and qualified professionals carry out maintenance tasks. This helps to
minimize the risk of electrical fires, shocks, and other dangers. In conclusion, electrical installation
and maintenance play an essential role in maintaining the safety and functionality of electrical
systems in various settings. Regular maintenance and upgrades are crucial to ensuring that
electrical systems are always working efficiently and safely [1].
Numerous industrial facilities in Nigeria have legacy electrical systems installed that have been in
operation for decades. Over time, these systems have been modified and upgraded to ensure
operation and production continues with minimal interruption. From site wide distribution of
medium voltage to localized low voltage systems, modifications have left many systems virtually
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unrecognizable from the initial installation. With emerging technologies and legacy systems
intertwined, adequate electrical preventive maintenance (EPM) programs have never been more
important than now. EPM programs outline the electrical installation on site and provide a roadmap
for proper inspection, testing, maintenance, and replacement of electrical equipment. These
programs allow sites to transition from a reactionary approach, where electrical equipment is
maintained and replaced on a corrective basis, to a preventive maintenance approach, where
electrical equipment is serviced and/or replaced on a time in service and use basis When these
programs are undeveloped or inadequate, electrical equipment and component failures are more
likely to occur and can impact the overall system, thus compromising the safety of personnel. In
addition, this results in suboptimal performance and shorter equipment life span.
1.1 AIM OF STUDY
The purpose of an electrical system is to gather, store, modify, convey, and display information.
Energy generation, transmission, conversion, distribution, and storage are further goals of the
electrical system.
Electrical systems must be installed correctly during installation in order to protect anyone working
with or around the equipment and to avoid any destructive electrical fires. Equally crucial is
maintenance, which keeps machinery operating effectively and safely.
1.2 Scope of study
The scope of the work includes design, manufacture, factory testing, supply, delivery to site,
unloading, handling, and storage at site; complete installation, including cement concrete
foundation and supporting steel structure wherever necessary; final inspection, painting,
performance testing, and commissioning of pumping machinery and related electrical equipments;
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instrumentation system; and other required accessories to be supplied under these specifications
on a turnkey basis.
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CHAPTER TWO
2.0 LITERATURE REVIEW
2.1 Electrical wiring overview
Electrical wiring is an electrical system of cabling and linked devices like switches, distribution
boards, plugs, and light equipment in a building. Wiring is subject to protection standards to
strategy with installation. Allowable wire and cable types and sizes are specified according to the
circuit operating voltage and electric current capability, with further restrictions on the
environmental conditions, such as ambient temperature range, moisture levels, and exposure to
sunlight and chemicals. Associated circuit protection, control and distribution devices within a
building's wiring system are subject to voltage, current and functional specification. Wiring
protection codes vary via locality [2,3], state or region. The International Electrotechnical
Commission (IEC) is "struggling to harmonise wiring standards between member countries, while
significant differences in design and installation necessities still exist. An electrical cable is a rally
of one or more wires running side by side or bundled, which is applied to transfer electric current
A cable rally is the composition of one or additional electrical cables and their corresponding
connectors. [2] A cable rally is not necessarily suitable for connecting two devices but can be a
partial product (e.g. to be soldered onto a printed circuit board with a connector mounted to the
building). Cable assemblies can besides take the system of a cable tree or cable harness", applied
to connect numerous terminals together [4-6].
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2.2 Types of Electrical Wires:
There are essentially 5 types of electrical wires [7]:
Triplex Electrical Wires: Triplex electrical wires are commonly applied in single-phase service
drop conductors, among the power pole besides weather heads. They are composed of two
insulated aluminum wires wrapped with a third bare wire that is applied as a public neutral. The
neutral is commonly of a smaller gauge besides grounded at each the electric meter plus the
transformer
Main Feeder Electrical Wires: Central power feeder wires act the wires that associate the service
weather head to the house. They’re made through stranded or solid THHN wire besides the cable
installed act 30% further than the load essential [8].
Panel Feed Electrical Wires: Panel feed cables are normally black insulated THHN wire. These
are applied to power the core junction container and the circuit breaker panels. Just like core power
feeder electrical wires, the cables must be rated to 50% more than the actual load.
Non-Metallic Sheathed Electrical Wires: Nonmetallic sheath electrical-wire, or Romex, is
applied in most building besides has (2 to 3) conductors, every with plastic insulation, besides a
bare crushed wire. The separated wires are protected through another coating of non-metallic
sheathing. Since it’s moderately cheaper and available in ratings to (10 to 20 amps), this type is
favorite in-house wiring.
Single Strand Electrical Wires: Single strand wire besides applications THHN wire, though there
are other variants. Every wire is separate with numerous wires can be drawn together through a
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pipe certainly. Single strand electrical-wires are the most common choice for layouts [10-14]
which use pipes to involve wires.
Fig 1: Coding of Wires Via Colors
Resources for wiring interior electrical systems in constructions vary depending on:
• Intended application besides amount of power demand on the circuit
• Class of occupancy besides size of the construction
• National besides local rules
• Environment in which the electrical-wiring need activate.
In a light profitable environment, more regular wiring variations can be estimated, large tools
may be fixed and special conditions of temperature or moisture may apply. Heavy industries
have more demanding wiring requirements, like very large currents besides higher voltages,
frequent changes of equipment layout, corrosive, or wet or explosive atmospheres. In facilities
that handle flammable gases or liquids, special rules may govern the installation besides wiring
of electrical equipment in hazardous areas. Wires with cables are rated via the circuit voltage,
heat rating and environmental conditions (moisture, sunlight, oil, chemicals) in which they can
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be applied [9]. A wire or cable has a voltage (to neutral) rating and a maximum conductor
surface temperature rating. The amount of current a cable or wire can safely carry depends on
the installation conditions [10].
2.3 Modern Wiring Materials
Modern non-metallic involve two to four wires covered with thermoplastic insulation, plus a
bare wire for grounding (bonding), bounded via a flexible plastic jacket. Certain versions wrap
the individual conductors in paper before the plastic jacket is applied. Special versions of non-
metallic sheathed cables, such as US Type UF, are designed to direct underground burial (often
with separate mechanical shield) or exterior use where exposure to ultraviolet radiation (UV)
is a possibility. These cables differ in having a moisture-resistant construction, lacking paper
or other absorbent fillers, and being formulated for UV resistance [11]. Rubber-like synthetic
polymer insulation is used in industrial cables and power cables installed underground because
of its superior moisture resistance. Insulated cables are rated via their allowable operating
voltage and their maximum operating temperature at the conductor surface. A cable may carry
multiple usage ratings for applications, for example, one rating for dry installations and another
when exposed to moisture or oil. Normally, single conductor building wire in small sizes is
solid wire, since the wiring is not requisite to be very flexible. Building wire conductors larger
than 10 AWG (or about 6 mm²) are stranded for flexibility through installation, while are not
sufficiently pliable to use as appliance cord. Cables for industrial, commercial and apartment
buildings may "involve numerous insulated conductors in an overall jacket, with helical tape
steel or aluminum armour, or steel wire armour, and perhaps as well an overall PVC or lead
jacket for protection from moisture and physical damage. Cables intended for very flexible
service or in marine applications may be sheltered via woven bronze wires. Power or
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communications cables (like computer networking) that are routed in or via air-handling spaces
(plenums) of office buildings are requisite under the model building code to be either encased
in metal conduit, or rated for low flame and smoke production. Electrical cables are used to
connect two or more devices, enabling the transfer of electrical signals or power from one
device to the other. Cables are used for a wide range of purposes, and each must be tailored for
that purpose. Cables are used extensively in electronic devices for power and signal circuits.
Long-distance communication takes place over undersea cables. Power cables are used for
bulk transmission of alternating and direct current power, especially using high-voltage cable.
Electrical cables are extensively used in building wiring for lighting, power and control circuits
permanently installed in buildings. Since all the circuit conductors required can be installed in
a cable at one time, installation labor is saved compared to certain other wiring methods.
Physically, an electrical cable is an assembly consisting of one or more conductors with their
own insulations and optional screens, individual covering(s), assembly protection and
protective covering(s). Electrical cables may be prepared more flexible via stranding the wires.
In this process, smaller individual wires are twisted or braided together to produce larger wires
that are more flexible than solid wires of similar size. Bunching small wires before concentric
stranding adds the most flexibility. Copper wires in a cable may be bare, or they may be plated
with a thin layer of another metal, most often tin but sometimes gold, silver or some other
material. Tin, gold, and silver are much less prone to oxidation than copper, which may
lengthen wire life, and makes soldering easier. Tinning is also used to provide lubrication
between strands. Tinning was used to help removal of rubber insulation. Tight lays during
stranding makes the cable extensible (CBA – as in telephone handset cords). Cables can be
securely fastened and organized, such as by using trunking, cable trays, cable ties or cable
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lacing. Continuous-flex or flexible cables used in moving applications within cable carriers
can be secured using strain relief devices or cable ties. At high frequencies, current tends to
run along" the surface of the conductor [12]. This is known as the skin effect.
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CHAPTER THREE
3.0 Electrical equipment
Electrical equipment includes any machine powered by electricity. It usually consists of
an enclosure, a variety of electrical components, and often a power switch. Examples of these
include:
1. Lighting
2. Major appliance
3. Small appliances
4. IT equipment (computers, printers etc.)
5. Motors, pumps and HVAC Systems
6. Electric switchboards
7. Distribution boards
8. Circuit breakers and disconnects
9. Transformers
10. Electricity meter
11. Knockout boxes
12. Wall brackets
13. Pop led light
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Fig 2: A collation of electrical appliances
3.1 Installation of different electrical devices
3.1.1 Wall bracket
Wall-mounted light fixtures, commonly known as sconces, offer a great way to add character to
general room lighting. Replacing an old sconce with a newer, more stylish fixture is a great way to
update the look of a room.
Equipment / Tools and Materials
Non-contact circuit tester
Screwdriver
New wall sconce light fixture
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Wire connectors (wire nuts)
Instructions and Installation Steps
• Turn off the Power
Before any repair is performed on an electrical circuit, you need to make sure the power is off.
Turn off power to the circuit feeding the switch and light fixture by switching off the corresponding
circuit breaker at the main service panel.
• Remove the Old Light Fixture
Remove any shade or globe on the sconce, then remove the light bulb. Loosen the mounting screws
or knob that holds the base of the light fixture to the electrical box, then gently pull the fixture
away from the box.
• Remove the Mounting Bracket
Compare the existing mounting bracket to the new one included with the new light fixture. These
brackets usually come in two varieties. One type is a round plate, as shown here. With these
brackets, the circuit wires extend through the center of the plate, and the fixture attaches to screw
holes in the sides. The other type is a mounting strap that spans the electrical box.
• Install New Mounting Bracket
Attach the new mounting bracket included with the fixture (if necessary) to the electrical box,
threading the screws into the openings on the box. Make sure the bracket is secure and can't move
around.
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• Attach the Ground Wire
Your new fixture will have a bare copper or green insulated wire that serves to ground the fixture.
Attach this ground lead to the green ground screw on the mounting bracket by wrapping the wire
clockwise around the shaft of the screw, then tightening it down.
• Connect Hot and Neutral Wires
Use wire connectors to join the white fixture lead to the white circuit wire (the neutral), and the
black fixture lead to the black circuit wire (the hot wire). Tug on the wire connectors to make sure
the connections are secure. If the wires are the same color (and there is no black and white wire),
distinguish between the two by looking at the wires themselves: The neutral wire will usually have
ridges along the side of the wire, while the hot wire will not.
Tuck in the Wires
Carefully fold the wiring into the electrical box behind the strap or disc so as not to pinch the wires
as you attach the fixture to the mounting bracket. Try to naturally coil the wires, rather than
bending them sharply. Often, fixtures won't have a black wire and both wires will be the same
color. To differentiate between neutral and hot wires, the neutral wire will usually have ridges
along the side of the wire, while the hot wire will not.
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Fig 3: Wall bracket before assembling and installation
Fig 3.1: Installed Wall bracket
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3.1.2 Distribution Box
The distribution box serves as the load centre and distributor of electrical power. A distribution
box ensures that electrical supply is distributed in the building, also known as a distribution board,
panel board, breaker panel, or electric panel. It is the central electrical supply system of any
building or property.
Installation steps
1. Distribution cabinet shall be placed on the foundation section steel one by one according to the
layout of construction drawing. The verticality adjustment of the cabinet surface and side of the
individual cabinet panel can be solved by adding pad iron, but it cannot exceed three pieces, and
it can be welded firmly. After each set of the cabinet (panel) is in place, the levelness and deviation
of the panel surface shall be adjusted to meet the requirements of the construction specification.
2. The wall mounted distribution box can be fixed on the wall with expansion bolts, but the dovetail
bolts shall be embedded in the hollow brick or block wall or fixed with the pull bolts.
3. The distribution box shall be embedded in the installation, and the panel after installation shall
be flat with the wall.
4. After the cabinet (panel) adjustment is finished, the cabinet body and foundation section steel
shall be fastened with bolts.
5. Cabinet (panel) grounding: each cabinet panel is connected with foundation steel separately.
Copper wire can be used to reliably connect PE row in cabinet with grounding bolt, and spring
washer must be added to prevent looseness. Each cabinet door shall be reliably connected with PE
row with copper braided wire.
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Fig 4: fully installed electrical distribution box
3.1.3 Knockout boxes Installation
A "knock out" or "KO" is a partially stamped opening in electrical enclosures that allows quick
entry of a wire, cable or pipe via connector or fitting to the interior. With the right information and
technique, you should be able to remove a "KO" from electrical panels and other electrical
enclosures without any problems.
Installation steps
• Ensure that the wire/wires you're going to be dealing with are not powered: Switch
off all suspect breakers and use a suitable meter or tester to ensure that power is off -
reducing the chance of shock or burns.
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• Locate the knock out stamping (KO) sized to fit the desired connector (or
fitting): There will likely be several KOs of different sizes on more than one surface from
which to choose. Pick the one that will be easiest to connect the cable or pipe.
• Find the point of attachment for this KO. The single size KOs and smallest of multiple
KOs are generally secured in a single location. Press the edge of a screwdriver against the
inner-most KO's stamped edge, away from this point of attachment, and press (or rap
sharply if needed) to push the KO away from the wall of the box
• Twist the KO back and forth with fingers or pliers to fully remove. The smallest KO is
usually a 3/8" or 1/2" trade size opening. Most modern connectors require a minimum 1/2"
trade size opening. If this is the size of the KO removed and the connector to be installed,
skip head to step 10; otherwise continue to increase to the next step KO size.
• Locate the next KO ring point of attachment. The second ring of KO is much smaller and
may be attached to yet a third (or more) KO ring. These KO rings are also often secured
by two (or more) points of attachment. They will require slightly more effort and patience
to remove without damaging any additional KO rings that are larger than needed. An over-
sized opening will not support the connector without additional expense.
• Insert the blade of the screwdriver into the opening as shown so that the tip just extends
beyond the opening. The tip should be as far away as possible from the point of attachment.
The blade should not extend beyond the the outer edge of the inner ring. Gently pry the
screwdriver's tip into the box. Only the inner ring of the KO should bend inward.
• Tighten fully by placing the blade of the screwdriver in a "valley" of the locknut, and rap
sharply with pliers or hammers.
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Fig 5: Electrical Knockout boxes
3.1.4 Electrical wiring
Electrical wiring is the process of installing electrical circuits, which are made up of electrical
wires and other components, to distribute electricity throughout a building. This is an essential
component of modern construction and is critical for powering lights, appliances, and various other
electrical devices. The first step in electrical wiring is to plan the electrical circuit, which involves
determining the power needs of the building, determining the location of electrical outlets and light
switches, and deciding on the routing of the electrical wires. Once the plan has been established,
the next step is to install the electrical panels and distribution boards, which are responsible for
controlling and distributing the electrical power. These panels contain fuses or circuit breakers,
which protect the electrical circuit from overloading or short circuits. The electrical wires are then
run through the building, either hidden in the walls, under the floor, or above the ceiling. The wires
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are usually color-coded to indicate the voltage level, and they are connected to electrical outlets,
light switches, and other electrical devices using various types of electrical fittings and connectors.
The final step in electrical wiring is to test the electrical circuit, which involves measuring the
voltage and current levels to ensure that they are within safe limits and that the circuit is
functioning properly. Any necessary corrections or adjustments can then be made.
Electrical wiring is a complex but important process that is critical for powering modern
buildings. The proper installation of electrical wiring requires a combination of technical
knowledge, skill, and experience, and it is important to always follow safety guidelines and
regulations to ensure the safety of the building's occupants
3.1.5 Electrical conduit (Piping)
An electrical conduit is a metal or plastic pipe through which electrical wires are run. Available in
either rigid or flexible forms, a conduit protects the wires and is used in exposed locations (such
as along the exterior surface of a wall) as well as in unfinished areas (like basements, crawlspaces,
and attics), and in surface-mounted installations outdoors.
3.1.5.1 Types of Conduit
Conduit used for residential wiring includes several types of metal and plastic materials designed
for different applications. Here are the most common types:
Electrical Metallic Conduit (EMT): Electrical metallic conduit is a rigid, thin-walled metal
conduit typically made of galvanized steel. EMT is technically tubing, not conduit, hence the
abbreviation uses the letter "T" instead of "C." Because the tubing is thin and lightweight, it is easy
to bend with a special tool called a conduit bender. EMT is best used indoors for residential and
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light commercial construction—if it's installed outdoors, it needs to be assembled along with
watertight fittings. Outdoors, EMT will typically last a few years—indoors, it'll last indefinitely.
Flexible Metal Conduit (FMT) and Liquid-tight Flexible Metal Conduit (LFMC): Flexible
metal conduit has a spiral construction which allows the conduit to bend easily, simplifying
installation in walls or other structures. FMT tubing is commonly used for short runs in exposed
locations, such as wiring for garbage disposers and water heaters. Its close cousin, liquid-tight
flexible metal conduit, is a flexible metal conduit covered with plastic sheathing to make it
watertight. It is used for outdoor wiring serving air conditioning units and other outdoor
equipment.
Non-Metallic Liquid-tight Flexible Conduit: Non-metallic liquid-tight conduit is often used in
place of liquid-tight flexible metal conduit (LFMC). It has unique connectors and is used when
less protection is needed for the conduit, as in indoor settlings.
Rigid Metal Conduit (RMC) and Intermediate Metal Conduit (IMC): Rigid metal conduit and
intermediate metal conduit are heavy-duty conduits made of galvanized steel. They are used for
the structural piping that houses the wiring for the home's connection to the utility service lines for
many overhead services. IMT has largely replaced RMC in new construction, and both RMC and
IMC are joined with threaded connections.
Electrical Non-Metallic Tubing (ENT): Electrical nonmetallic tubing is flexible plastic tubing
designed for use inside residential walls or concrete block structures. Although the tubing is
moisture-resistant and flame-retardant, it's not suitable to exposed locations and should not be
installed outdoors or anywhere that may be exposed to the elements. This tubing is often called
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Smurf tubing for its blue color, though it also comes in gray and orange, depending on the
manufacturer and/or use.
PVC: Rigid PVC is a plastic pipe similar in size to rigid metal conduit (RMC). It can be heated
and bent and is joined with glued or threaded connections. PVC is typically available in Schedule
40 and Schedule 80 options: Schedule 40 is used most often, but Schedule 80 is used when there's
risk of damage to the pipes because it has thicker walls.
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CHAPTER FOUR
4.0 Conclusion and Recommendation
4.0 Conclusion
In conclusion, electrical systems need regular maintenance to ensure optimum performance, such
maintenance will prevent system and equipment failures and ensure maximum safety and
efficiency in the utilization of the facilities. At each installation, establish a program for proper
maintenance and effectively follow it. Include in this program the scope of work, intervals of
performance, and methods of application including safety requirements, practices and procedures,
and operations and maintenance (O&M) of electrical power and distribution systems. The
information provided applies to the plans and procedures to operate and maintain installation
electrical distribution systems. Specific installation conditions may dictate the need for procedures
that exceed these minimum requirements. These systems include substations, overhead and
underground electrical distribution systems, exterior lighting systems, and electrical apparatus and
components. The importance of discussed topic comes from the fact that electricity companies
must handle a large number of electrical equipment (circuit breakers, transformers, cables etc.).
Apart from safety, maintenance is needed to keep plant in an acceptable condition. Maintenance
of this kind must be reviewed on an economic and energy efficiency basis. While it is appreciated
that breakdown of plant may result in costly interruption of normal building operation, it must also
be borne in mind that stopping plant for maintenance can also cause a loss in production.
Hence, it is important to properly operate, maintain and manage electrical equipment in
order for there to be sustainable development.
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4.1 Recommendations
System components, such as circuit breakers, transformers, cables, etc. are an integral part of the
electrical system and must operate within their design parameters before the system can meet its
designed performance levels. Instead of evaluating a transformer or circuit breaker as part of the
total system, most CDM analysts limit the use to simple diagnostics of the condition of that
individual component. As a result, no effort is made to determine the influence of system variables,
like load, speed, voltage, product, or instability on the individual component. These variations are
generally affect of process equipment variables and hence are often the root-cause of the observed
problem in these components. Unless process variables are considered, it would not be possible to
determine the true root cause of problem. Instead, the recommendations would be made to correct
the symptom (e.g., damaged bearing, misalignment), rather than the real problem.
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